What does a contractor need in order to be successful?

For a contractor to be successful, having ongoing projects and skilled labor is essential. Ongoing projects provide the necessary cash flow and maintain the contractor's presence in the market. They help ensure that the contractor can meet ongoing expenses, invest in resources, and deliver on previous commitments, which in turn builds a reputation for reliability and quality.

Skilled labor is equally important because the quality of work directly impacts a contractor's success. Experienced and trained workers can complete projects efficiently and to a high standard, which leads to satisfied clients and a better chance of securing future contracts. A company that's known for quality workmanship and timely project delivery is more likely to receive referrals and repeat business.

While good marketing strategies, strong relationships with suppliers, and sufficient work orders are all important factors for a contractor's success, they don't hold the same foundational necessity as having ongoing projects and a skilled workforce. Without active projects, marketing efforts and supplier relationships can become irrelevant, and having enough work orders is contingent upon the capability to execute them well with a competent team.